Residential Workshops and Retreats

Residential Retreats and Workshops are held monthly at the Sanctuary Guesthouse.  Participants come from all over the world to savor the sights, sounds and tranquility of writing and seeking higher ground during the monthly scheduled sessions.  These workshops and retreats are appropriate for a variety of audiences, and are offered in a number of configurations - facilitated weekend and week-long offerings, as well as a self-paced creative option..  

Writing for the Spirit residential retreats and workshops are generally held at the Sanctuary Guesthouse - a haven the beckons to the soul and provides peace to the spirit.  Directions provided to paid registrants.  Click here to learn more about Sanctuary Guesthouse.

Participant numbers range from 2-8 persons, depending upon topic and level of work.  Dr. Newell offers a variety of formats to fit a range of schedules and preferences, including Weekend Retreats, Week-long Workshops, Writers Retreat weekend, and Moving to the Spirit Retreat Weekends.....Please see more detailed descriptions below.  Also note that when you bring a friend or group that the registration price per person goes down!

You may select from the topics and dates available, OR, Dr. Newell welcomes creating residential retreats for specific groups (8 or more persons, double occupancy) with specific needs or desired content.  For instance, you may choose to have a residential retreat created for your pastoral staff and spouses.  Or, select an area of concentration for a whole extended family - for a weekend, or whole week!

In addition to the identified workshop and retreat activities, Writing for the Spirit residential retreats also may afford the following creative inclusions, depending upon the audience and length of stay.

Other possible areas of exploration….

  • Soaking sessions
  • Creative Collage
  • Massage (scheduled ahead, for a fee)
  • Moving to the Spirit (dance) session
  • Art expression
  • Poetry reading:  collective
  • Individual listening time
  • Individual writing consultation (by appointment; writing submitted 2 weeks prior to the retreat)
  • Theatrical outing (seasonal; for a fee)

You may also request and book a "custom" residential workshop/retreat for yourself, individually, or your group. Contact:   drdebra@writingforthespirit.com

      Subcategories

      Writer's Retreat Weekend ( 10 Events )

      This venue is designed for anyone who wants time away from the regular routine that is offered in an environment conducive to writing.  Guests attend to their own writing agenda in an unstructured weekend - choosing from the numerous locations in and around Sanctuary Guesthouse that invite and inspire creativity. 

      Available the 4th Weekend of each month, January through April, September and October 2013.  Bring a friend or group and save on per person registration fees!  Choose a specific date and follow through for registration.  Specific 2013 dates are as follows:

      January 25 & 26, 2013

      February 22 & 23, 2013

      March 22 & 23, 2013

      April 26 & 27, 2013

      September 27 & 28, 2013

      October 25 & 26, 2013

      Residential Weekend Heartwork Retreats ( 13 Events )

      Held January - May, September - December, 2013; 1st weekend of the month

      These weekend delights are structured in design to facilitate deep healing work for each participant in a way and at the level sensitive to individual needs.  Writing for the Spirit residential retreats are held at Sanctuary Guesthouse - a haven the beckons to the soul and provides peace to the spirit.  Directions provided to registrants.

      The following are course topics that are currently available for registration.  Click on the "Residential Weekend Heartwork Retreats" link above to select the topic(s) you are interested in, and follow through for registration.  

       

      • Reflect and Refresh: January 4 & 5, 2013
      • Breaking Chains (Unshackled): Freedom to Walk in the Light: February 1 & 2, 2013
      • Desires of the Heart: March 1 & 2, 2013
      • Deepening our Spiritual Relationships: April 5 & 6, 2013
      • Hearing God's Voice: May 3 & 4, 2013
      • First Love: September 6 & 7, 2013
      • I believe: October 4 & 5, 2013
      • Real Beauty: November 1 & 2, 2013
      • Closure: Tying Up Loose Ends: December 6 & 7, 2013

       

       

       

      Weeklong Quarterly Residential Workshops ( 6 Events )

      Weeklong Residential Workshops are designed to provide participants with an in-depth opportunity to make significant progress on a particular work, as well as participate in contemplative experiences that facilitate deep healing and heart-work in a particular area.  The week consists of an artful weaving of structured and unstructured activities.  The process uses guided writing and reflection to hear God's voice and gain clarity.  Sessions start at 2P on Mondays and conclude at noon on Fridays of the appointed week. Held a beautiful Sanctuary Guesthouse with delightful interior and exterior spaces to lounge, write, create and do heartwork.

      Participants will want to bring bible, journal, personal reading materials, and writing instruments. Guests may bring paints and canvas or other artistic materials for use during unstructured times, choose to explore the area, and/or select from the menu of optional offerings on and off the property by appointment. A continental breakfast is provided Tuesday through Friday; box lunch provided Tuesday through Thursday; and, general snacks and waters as well. Dinner on own, individually or in group.

      Topics for the 2013 Season include:

      February 25 – March 1, 2013       Topic: Mind, Body, Spirit

      May 27 – 31, 2013                        Topic: Whom will you serve?

      August 26 – 30, 2013                   Topic: The Mountain and the Throne

      December 2-6, 2013                    Topic: Where are your treasures?

      To register, click on the link at the top of this section "Weeklong Quarterly Residential Workshops" and follow through the registration process.

      A typical week schedule includes structured activities as following, subject to change w/topics:

      Monday: afternoon (2-5 P)
      Tuesday: afternoon (2-5 P) and evening session (7-9P)
      Wednesday: morning (9A-12N) and evening session (7-9 P)
      Thursday: morning (9A – 12 N) and afternoon session (7-9P)
      Friday: morning session (9A-12N)

      Week-long residential workshop participants may have the opportunity to participate in several a la cart offerings, including:

      Other possible areas of exploration…..

      • Soaking sessions

      • Creative Collage

      • Massage (scheduled ahead, for a fee)

      • Moving to the Spirit (dance) session

      • Art expression

      • Poetry reading:  collective

      • Individual listening time

      • Individual writing consultation (by appointment; writing submitted 2 weeks prior to the retreat)

      • Theatrical outing (seasonal; for a fee)